Windows XP migration

On April 8, 2014, Microsoft will stop providing security updates for the Windows
XP operating system (OS). Without these updates, data stored on or accessed by Windows
XP machines will become more vulnerable and place institutional data at risk. As
a compromised computer can result in data loss, user downtime, and expensive data
breaches, the university must take steps now to greatly reduce the presence of Windows
XP on UTHSC-owned machines and mitigate the risk associated with any remaining XP
systems.

Information Technology Services (ITS) is ready to assist in this process by providing
the following services:

Identification of affected systems: ITS can provide each college or department’s business manager with a list of its
Windows XP computers.

New computer installation: For computers with old hardware that cannot support Windows 7 or Windows 8, replacement
is the best solution. ITS has negotiated with Dell the price of $971 for a full computer,
or just $514 for a CPU only (if the existing monitor/soundbar, keyboard, and mouse
do not have to replaced). Once a department purchases a replacement machine, ITS
will work with the user to transfer installed data and software to the new computer
at the user’s convenience. (NOTE: ITS recommends ordering computers by March 11 to
ensure sufficient time to receive and install them before April 8.)

OS upgrade: Where possible and if replacement is not necessary, ITS can upgrade Windows XP to
either Windows 7 or Windows 8 free of charge.

Security provisions for remaining XP systems: ITS is aware that some computers may need to continue running Windows XP due to
the system requirements of certain software used by faculty and staff to teach and
conduct research. In these rare cases, ITS will work with the user to verify the
necessity of Windows XP and then adjust computer settings to limit risk to that system’s
data, other UTHSC computers and data, and the UTHSC network as a whole.

Lisa Aitken, director of ITS Customer Technology Support, is in the process of contacting
the business managers of those departments that have Windows XP systems. If you are
ready to purchase new machines or plan upgrades now, please contact Lisa at laitken@uthsc.edu or 448-4934.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical IT security initiative.